Smoking cannabis was legalized in Colorado in 2012, where the age limit for consuming marijuana is 21 years and older. The Colorado cannabis law was enforced in 2014 when the possession of marijuana became legal for adults over 21 years of age. As per the Colorado cannabis law, it is unlawful to consume marijuana in public places or smoke cannabis within 1,000 feet of a school. Cannabis consumption and possession are also prohibited on a licensed business or any site where others could observe consumption or possession. Marijuana consumption and possession are also prohibited in a motor vehicle if it is located on school grounds and children present.

1. Purchasing Limits

The limit for purchasing marijuana in Colorado is 1 ounce of marijuana per day. The limitation applies to the consumer’s primary residence or the place where marijuana consumption occurs. The maximum amount of marijuana that an individual can purchase on a single day is 28 ounces, and no more than 10 ounces can be purchased within a single day.

2. Marijuana Cultivation and Possession Limits

The maximum amount of marijuana that can be grown at one time is 24 plants. If a person has more than 24 plants, they will be prosecuted for possession of marijuana. The cannabis cultivation law also prohibits the cultivation of more than 12 plants in the exact location. This means that if 12 plants are being grown in one place, it is illegal to have more than 12 plants growing in the same place. This makes it extremely difficult for a person to grow more than 12 plants in their residence. The law prohibits the cultivation of more than 12 plants at one time; however, it does not prohibit growing marijuana plants at different locations. For example, if a person has 24 plants at their residence, they can go to a friend’s house and plant 12 plants there.

3. Transporting Marijuana in Colorado

You can transport marijuana in Colorado as long as it is in your possession and not in the motor vehicle. However, you cannot transport marijuana from a school or any other location where it is prohibited to consume cannabis. The police may also search your vehicle if they have reason to believe that you are transporting illegal drugs where it is not permitted to consume marijuana. In addition, you can be arrested for transporting marijuana if you are caught with more than 1 ounce of cannabis and if the amount is not within your possession.

4. Possession

It is unlawful to possess more than 1 ounce of cannabis in Colorado, and this amount can be in the form of dried, ground, or unprocessed cannabis. Any other physical forms of cannabis are also illegal, and you cannot be arrested for possessing these forms. The Colorado law has not determined the possession limit for adults under 21 years of age, but it will be less than 1 ounce. It is unlawful to possess any amount of cannabis outside your immediate control unless it is in a sealed container that has been appropriately labeled. It is illegal to possess any amount of cannabis in a public place and a motor vehicle.

5. Use of Marijuana

It is also illegal to use marijuana in Colorado, including being under the influence of marijuana. It is unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to be in a public place where it is prohibited to consume cannabis. It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to be in a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.

6. Where to smoke marijuana in Colorado

In Colorado, you can smoke marijuana in your private residence or in a place where you are legally allowed to smoke. However, if you are in a place where you are not allowed to smoke marijuana and consume it, the police will be able to arrest you, and you can even be charged with a felony.

The Colorado law regarding marijuana is very simple and straightforward. However, it is essential to note some exceptions to this law. These exceptions include being under the influence of marijuana and possessing more than 1 ounce of cannabis in Colorado. If you are charged with any of these offenses in Colorado, then you must seek professional legal advice immediately so that you can defend your rights to marijuana use in the state of Colorado.

Marijuana use is legal in Colorado and many other U.S. states. In Colorado, legal marijuana is either categorized as recreational or medicinal. Here is everything you need to know about weed laws in Colorado before you light up.

FAQs on Cannabis Smoking Laws in Colorado

Where do you buy recreational marijuana in Colorado?

 Colorado has over 320 recreational marihuana dispensaries. These stores are permitted to sell weed between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight in most jurisdictions. There are also plenty of Denver smoke shops that remain open until 7 p.m. The law requires that these marijuana stores only sell to people aged 21 and older. People aged 18 to 21 need a prescription to make a marijuana purchase. People under 21 need to produce a medical marijuana card to purchase 2 ounces of cannabis at any of the 300-plus registered weed dispensaries in this state.

Where are the weed-smoking zones in Colorado?

 Finding weed, vape, or weed cookies in Colorado is never a big deal. Non-residents are only allowed, by law, to only purchasing up to a quarter ounce of weed per transaction, while the limit for residents is half an ounce of weed. In Colorado, the price for a 1/8-ounce ranges from $80 to $100, depending on the strain. It is perfectly legal for you to move around with the prescribed weed within Colorado, but once you have crossed state lines, different marijuana laws may apply. Before you haul your weed to neighboring states, ensure you are familiar with the state’s drug rules and regulations.

Does Colorado allow public smoking of weed?

 Smoking weed in the open is banned in Colorado. That means it is illegal for you to smoke your legally acquired pot in public spaces such as entertainment scenes, amusement parks, schools, transportation facilities, and on the rooftops of commercial buildings. Smoking pot in offices restaurants is also illegal. The only place you are permitted to light up a blunt is at your private residence in Colorado. Alternatively, you can frequent private membership clubs where smoking cannabis is allowed. These establishments permit weed smokers to purchase a one-day membership to enjoy their stash.

Is smoking pot allowed in Colorado hotels and restaurants?

 In recent times, the growing number of tourists to the state has prompted some hotels and restaurants to relax their weed-smoking restrictions. Today, an increasing number of hospitality facilities are “marijuana-friendly,” and guests are free to smoke their legally acquired weed on their premises. Some hotels and restaurants where you can enjoy your cannabis in Colorado include the Speak Easy Vape Lounge, LOVA Canna, Club 64, My 420 Tours, Loopr, City Sessions Denver, and the Adagio B&B.

Is smoking pot in cars allowed in Colorado?

 According to Colorado’s marijuana laws, it is perfectly legal to transport weed in a vehicle, provided it gets stored in sealed containers. Also, the weed must not get transported across state lines. However, it is illegal to smoke the legally purchased pot in the vehicle. You risk serious criminal charges if you get caught smoking weed in your cars. This law applies to smoking in both moving and stationary vehicles.

Is smoking weed allowed at the licensed dispensary?

 No, you are not permitted to light up your blunts at the retailer’s premises. Smoking in and around these marijuana retailers’ premises is grounds for prosecution.

Can you get slapped with a DUI for using store-bought weed?

 Even though marijuana use is legal in Colorado, there are exceptions to the rule. If found operating a vehicle while stoned, the officers will check your THC levels. You will get DUI charges if your blood THC levels exceed the state’s limits. Drivers found to have THC levels of above five nanograms are deemed impaired and, therefore, not permitted to operate vehicles on private or public roads. To avoid costly DUI punitive charges, don’t smoke pot and drive.

Can you buy weed at the dispensaries using a debit or credit card?

 Yes, the drug laws in Colorado permit you to pay for your legal weed using your debit card. The marijuana dispensing ATMs also accept cash. Purchasing weed using a credit card is banned in Colorado, however.

Key Takeaway

 While in Colorado, only light up your weed in designated zones, such as your private residence or an authorized establishment. But marijuana laws are constantly evolving in Colorado. You don’t want to get caught on the wrong side of the cannabis laws. The resulting fines are massive. It is, therefore, in your best interest to stay updated on the latest cannabis rules and regulations. That helps to avoid conflicts with the law.

We represent the IP Section of the Colorado Bar Association.

The Section of IP would focus on educational projects and the exchanging of information about newly proposed redevelopments in the intellectual property industry. This field embraces matters related to patents, trademarks, and copyright issues as well as anti-trust, trade secrets, and unfair competitor problems. This Section would hold monthly lunch meetings and events on topics in the field. The section would also bring in speakers nationwide.